Obituary of Alexander Henry Cunningham

With heavy hearts the family of Alexander "Alex" Henry Cunningham announces his sudden passing on Wednesday, June 14th, 2017 at his home in Rothesay. Born on April 17, 1931 in Birch Hills, Saskatchewan, he was a son of the late John and Willa (Pushie) Cunningham. At 11 years of age Alex moved with his family from the big skies of the West to the waters of Nova Scotia where they settled in New Glasgow. Despite his Nova Scotian roots, Alex was a staunch New Brunswicker, graduating from the University of New Brunswick with a BSc Electrical Engineering degree in 1955. He enjoyed a 35 year career in telecommunications with the majority of that time at NBTel/Aliant in Saint John. He was a Life Member of the NB Professional Engineers Association, a Life Member of the Bell Aliant Pioneers, an Honourary Life member of the Masonic Lodge no. 22 – Saint John and a dedicated member and Elder Emeritus of the St. John and St. Stephen Presbyterian Church (now Grace Presbyterian). Following his retirement Alex lived quietly and modestly, always available to give a helping hand – volunteering at the Church of Saint John and St. Stephen Home, Pioneer PC Workshop and other charitable organizations. Alex’s interests were spending time outdoors gardening, sports (especially hockey), walking the shores of the Northumberland Strait and fixing anyone’s broken appliances but above everything else his lifelong priority was his family for whom he showed unlimited patience, generosity and kindness. In addition to his loving wife of 60 years, Doreen (Dalling), Alex is survived by his four children: John (Pam Watson) of Aurora, ON, Jay (Cindy) of Fredericton, NB, Jeffrey (Jennifer) of Quispamsis, NB, and Jane (Bruce Gordon) of Challex, France; 10 grandchildren: Alex, Joshua, Katie, Connor, Samantha, Brooke, Hope, Denali, Ella and Tess; his sisters, Isabelle Sandiland and Barbara O’Regan (Jim); a brother Fred Cunningham (Carolyn); brother-in-law, Bert Dalling; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Thomas Sandiland and sister-in-law, Mildred Dalling. Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424). Although there will be no visitation, family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Monday, June 19, 2017 at 11:00 am held at Grace Presbyterian Church, 101 Coburg Street, Saint John with the Rev. Dr. Philip Lee and the Rev. Dr. John Crawford officiating.. The New Brunswick Lodge No. 22 will be holding a Masonic Service at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, remembrance to the Autism Community Centre or Camp Goodtime (Canadian Cancer Society) would be appreciated.